Mary Sue White McBeth

Mary Sue White McBeth passed away on May 26, 2026 at the age of 92 years old.

Mary was the second child of Matthew and “Rusty” White, growing up alongside her older brother, Robert, and remembering always her younger brother, Dicky, who passed away at two years old. Mary was born in Drumright, Oklahoma, but spent her childhood moving every few years between Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Kansas following her father’s career with Mobil Oil. During her senior year of high school, her family relocated to Irving, Texas – a move that changed her life forever. There she met her lifelong love, William Francis McBeth, whom she married in June of 1953.

Mary and Francis moved to Arkadelphia in 1957 for a job at Ouachita Baptist University. Francis predicted they would stay only a year, but that year became seventy, and Arkadelphia became the heart of their family and work. Mary partnered closely with Francis throughout his distinguished musical career, helping transform his handwritten compositions into works of art. She raised two children and traveled with Francis as his career carried them around the world.

While the couple initially joined the Ouachita and Arkadelphia communities because of Francis’ job, Mary quickly became a staple in both in her own right. A devoted member of Arkadelphia First Baptist Church since 1957, Mary served as accompanist for every choir —from children to senior adults — and sang in the Sanctuary Choir for more than sixty years. Her love of music and community extended into many local organizations, including P.E.O., the Philharmonic Club, and a cherished Wednesday “crafts group,” where friends gathered weekly for potluck lunches, creativity, and friendship. Their annual trip to War Eagle was a tradition she treasured.

Though she never worked at Ouachita, Mary never missed a chance to support the university. As part of a group of faculty wives who supported university efforts, she was deeply involved in the life of the campus – even after retirement and eventually Francis’ passing, Mary was often seen attending and sponsoring the annual McBeth Concerto Competition on campus and other various events in she and her husband’s honor.

Mary is survived by her brother, Robert White; her daughter, Laura Murphy (Todd); her son, Matthew McBeth (Susan); and her three grandchildren, Kate McBeth, Joe McBeth, and Carolyn McBeth.

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church Arkadelphia Saturday May 30, 2026 at 10:30. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the W. Francis McBeth Recital Hall Renovation project at Ouachita Baptist University. Donations can be sent to:

Ouachita Baptist University Development, 410 Ouachita Street, Box 3754, Arkadelphia, AR 71998, or submitted online https://obu.edu/development/give.php

Arrangements are by Smith Family Funeral Home – Arkadelphia/Ruggles-Wilcox Chapel, www.smithfamilycares.com.